Day Seven-Creativity

       

  “Creativity arises from our ability to see things from many different angles.”

                                                                  Keri Smith

  One of my favorite books by Keri Smith is The Wander Society.

 I love to wander. Most of the time it’s in places like libraries, bookstores ( both new and used), thrift stores and garage sales. 

Each of these are like treasure hunts for me. Perhaps one of my most favorite finds was a piece of Baleek China that I snatched up for fifty cents. My ancestors are from the town of Baleek, and it began with the help of my best friend Kim a pretty cool collection.

Wandering is a natural way to slow down, and take in the sights which are often times overlooked in the hurry of our world. Smith reminds us that taking a moment to explore from more than one perspective is a wonderful way to allow our creativity to flourish. 

I’ve included her book in the photo today if you are interested in checking it out. 

Creative Activity

Create a playlist. Back in my day we used to make what were called mix tapes. It was a very unsophisticated way to combine all our favorite songs. Today with all the new technology these can be created through our phones with apps like Pandora and Spotify. Also if you happen to have an Alexa device at home she can help you set one up for your device. Even my five year old grandson has his own playlist of his favorite 1980’s country music. 

I’m including a link that might help you get started, especially if you are a little technically challenged like me. LOL!

                 https://www.howtogeek.com/747468/how-to-make-a-playlist-on-spotify/

Day Six- Creativity

“You can’t use up your creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Maya Angelou

I really believe this to be true. In fact it’s those times when you are not utilizing your creative muscle that you find yourself to be least creative.

As an elementary school teacher I had the opportunity every day to be creative. I was surrounded by the epitome of creativity-young children. It was through them that I remained creative. 

Push yourself to be creative and stay creative. The reward is worth the effort. 

Creative Activity

Take a photo walk. This is one of my favorites.  It’s especially nice during spring and fall. As you take your photos bend down, and take the same photo from different angles. Look for different textures, and include them in your photo. Set up an Instagram account that is dedicated only to your photos. Sit back and enjoy the gallery you have created. 

I’ve included some pretty great ideas for photo walks in the link below:

              https://expertphotography.com/12-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-photo-walk/

Day Five-Creativity

“Creativity takes courage.”

Henri Matisse

For me the courage of creativity is being brave enough to be rejected or misunderstood. Marching to your own beat, doing things your own way, and not just going along with the crowd can have repercussions.

Beginning this blog and sharing it with others was an act of courage on my part. Allowing others to see more transparently has been both rewarding and challenging at the same time. 

However, my creative endeavors have been some of my fondest moments and memories, and I treasure looking back over the last several years through the help of my blog.

 

Creative Activity

Look through an old photo album. Let your mind wander to a bygone time, and reflect on how you have changed. Think back and let your mind consider how different your life might have been if you had chosen differently. Use this as a catalyst for any changes you may have been considering. 

While you are looking over those old photo albums here’s a link to give you some ideas of what to do with them. 

                    

                     https://imagerestorationcenter.com/what-to-do-with-old-photo-albums/

Day Four- Creativity

“The world is just a canvas to the imagination.”

Henry David Thoreau

Imagination is one of my favorite things. I used to think that all children were imaginative, but over the years I found that not to be true. Those lacking imagination needed to be paired with an imaginative friend who would open the door to the wonders it brings. 

Even as adults we need to find those friends who either are imaginative or who will encourage us to include imagination in our days. 

Creative Activity

Cook a meal with only the ingredients on hand. Usually I begin with a recipe and make a list of ingredients I need to pick up at the store. Why not work in advance. Check your pantry, freezer and fridge and see what you can come up with. Of course, having a few extra ingredients on hand will make this a little easier. 

If you are stuck the following link might help you get started:

https://hip2save.com/tips/use-leftovers-pantry-ingredients-easy-recipes/

Day Three- Creativity

“Creative isn’t the way I think, it’s the way I like to live.”

Paul Sandip

I must agree with Sandip. Creativity isn’t just something I do, it is who I am. As a teacher I had the opportunity to be creative each day I entered the classroom. From the very beginning of my career I captured and nurtured that innate creative spirit of children. 

Even today just being around my young grandsons allows me to see the world through their eyes. I am blessed beyond belief. 

Creative Activity

Watch an old movie. It could be one you’ve watched before, but I encourage you to find a classic you have never seen. Allow yourself to get caught up in the story, and at the end take a moment to contemplate the fate of the main character. What did you learn about yourself and others after viewing?

Of course, popping a batch of popcorn the old fashioned way over the stove wouldn’t be such a bad idea either. 

Here’s a list of some classic movies you might want to consider:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_classics_movies/

Day Two- Creativity

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

Albert Einstein 

For some reason when I think of Einstein I think of a serious scientist, but who better than a scientist to play around with ideas? In what ways can you add some fun to your days? If you spend them with a three year old I promise you will be reminded hourly of how much fun there is in the world. 

Creative Activity

Mix and match a new outfit. If you dare, step out of your comfort zone and add something totally out of character. If you don’t think you can wear your new outfit out in public, then just wear it around the house. Smile each time you pass a mirror. 

If you need to get some ideas I’ve included a link below to get you started:

https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/25-ways-to-mix-and-match-outfits-using-just-8-travel-essentials/

Day One- Creativity

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, having fun.”

Mary Lou Cook

I think sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that creativity has something to do with art. Creativity can include art, but it is so much more. We all are creative beings, and allowing ourselves to express our creativity daily adds to the richness of our lives. 

Creative Activity

Did you know that you can grow produce from produce that you

already have on hand? One of the easiest is green onions. Go ahead and chop up the green tops for a recipe you are making. Then place the remaining white part of the onion into a small jar of water, and place where it will get sunlight. You will be surprised how quickly it will grow, and you will always have green onions on hand. Add fresh water to the jar periodically, but eventually you will want to start over with a fresh batch. 

If you are wanting more ideas I’m including the link below:

https://www.diyncrafts.com/4732/repurpose/25-foods-can-re-grow-kitchen-scraps